Sea Girt, N.J. - Today, a diverse group of 200 men and women reported for the first day of training as part of the 153rd New Jersey State Police Class. This class, like the 152nd Class, is one of the most racially diverse to ever enter the academy. More than half of the recruits are members of minority groups. Twenty-seven percent are Hispanic, 16 percent are African-American, and five percent are Asian. Native American and other minority groups make up six percent.

“New Jersey’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and we believe the New Jersey State Police are stronger as a force when they reflect that diversity,” said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman. “The State Police have acted on that principle in their recruiting efforts, and today we are seeing the results.”

“We run a rigorous academy that requires the very best physical and mental effort from the recruits. Not everyone will pass, but those who graduate and receive their badge will be professionals, well prepared to serve the citizens as New Jersey State Troopers,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, State Police Superintendent.

Academy training is the final step in the hiring process to become a state trooper. The 24-week residential program will train recruits in constitutional law, search and seizure, and other subjects. They will also undergo tough physical training, including self-defense.

The 153rd State Police class is scheduled to graduate in December of this year. The 152nd State Police class started the academy on April 22 and is scheduled to graduate in October.

The following is the breakdown of the 200 applicants who began the 153rd State Police Class training academy this morning:

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